These soft and fluffy Lemon Sweet Rolls are packed with bright citrus flavor, rich lemon curd, and a creamy lemon cream cheese frosting. If you love bakery-style sweet rolls with a fresh and tangy twist, this Lemon Sweet Rolls recipe is the perfect homemade treat for brunch, spring gatherings, or weekend baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, buttery rolls with a pillowy texture
- Bright lemon flavor in every bite
- Sweet lemon sugar filling with rich lemon curd
- Easy bakery-style recipe made at home
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or holidays
- Cream cheese frosting adds the perfect tangy finish
Ingredients
For the Tangzhong
- 2/3 cup water
- 1/4 cup bread flour
For the Roll Dough
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 2/3 cups bread flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/3 cup heavy cream, room temperature
- 1/3 cup whole milk, room temperature
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- Tangzhong from above
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
Lemon Sugar Filling
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons lemon curd
Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- Extra lemon curd for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Tangzhong
Whisk the water and flour together in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens into a paste-like roux, about 4–5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Sugar
Rub the lemon zest into the granulated sugar using your fingertips until fragrant and sandy.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together the bread flour, lemon sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the heavy cream, milk, egg, and cooled tangzhong.
Knead with a dough hook on low speed for 2 minutes until a rough dough forms.
Step 4: Add the Butter
With the mixer running on low, add the butter one tablespoon at a time, allowing each piece to fully incorporate. Continue kneading for about 12 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 5: First Rise
Shape the dough into a smooth ball and place it into a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
Step 6: Make the Filling
Mix together the butter, brown sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 7: Roll and Fill
Roll the dough into a 21×15-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the lemon sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border at the top. Spread the lemon curd over the filling.
Step 8: Shape the Rolls
Using a pizza cutter, cut the dough into 12 strips. Roll each strip tightly and place into a parchment-lined 9×13 baking pan.
Step 9: Second Rise
Cover the pan and let the Lemon Sweet Rolls rise for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size. Preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C).
Step 10: Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes until lightly golden on top.
Step 11: Make the Frosting
Beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and continue mixing until fluffy. Mix in the lemon zest and heavy cream.
Step 12: Frost and Serve
Cool the rolls for 15 minutes before spreading the frosting over the top. Add extra lemon curd and serve warm.
Tips & Tricks
- Use fresh lemon zest for the brightest flavor.
- Bread flour gives the rolls a softer, chewier texture.
- Do not overheat the milk or cream, or it may affect the yeast.
- Chill the dough slightly if it becomes too soft while shaping.
- Homemade lemon curd adds extra freshness and flavor.
Details
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Rise Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Dietary Notes: Vegetarian
Notes
- You can prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate before the second rise.
- Add blueberries for a fruity variation.
- Serve with coffee, tea, or fresh berries for brunch.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Roll)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fat: 22g
- Sugar: 28g
FAQ
Can I make Lemon Sweet Rolls ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight before baking.
Can I freeze these rolls?
Yes. Freeze baked or unbaked rolls for up to 2 months.
What is tangzhong?
Tangzhong is a cooked flour paste that creates extra soft and fluffy bread.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly less chewy and fluffy.
How do I store leftover Lemon Sweet Rolls?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I use homemade lemon curd?
Absolutely. Homemade lemon curd adds richer citrus flavor.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store the rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze frosted or unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 20–30 seconds before serving.
Similar Recipes
Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
For the Tangzhong
- 2/3 cup water
- 1/4 cup bread flour
For the Roll Dough
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 2/3 cups bread flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/3 cup heavy cream room temperature
- 1/3 cup whole milk room temperature
- 1 large egg room temperature
- Tangzhong from above
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
Lemon Sugar Filling
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons lemon curd
Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- Extra lemon curd for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Tangzhong
- Whisk the water and flour together in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens into a paste-like roux, about 4–5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Sugar
- Rub the lemon zest into the granulated sugar using your fingertips until fragrant and sandy.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
- In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together the bread flour, lemon sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the heavy cream, milk, egg, and cooled tangzhong.
- Knead with a dough hook on low speed for 2 minutes until a rough dough forms.
Step 4: Add the Butter
- With the mixer running on low, add the butter one tablespoon at a time, allowing each piece to fully incorporate. Continue kneading for about 12 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 5: First Rise
- Shape the dough into a smooth ball and place it into a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
Step 6: Make the Filling
- Mix together the butter, brown sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 7: Roll and Fill
- Roll the dough into a 21×15-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the lemon sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border at the top. Spread the lemon curd over the filling.
Step 8: Shape the Rolls
- Using a pizza cutter, cut the dough into 12 strips. Roll each strip tightly and place into a parchment-lined 9×13 baking pan.
Step 9: Second Rise
- Cover the pan and let the Lemon Sweet Rolls rise for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size. Preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C).
Step 10: Bake
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until lightly golden on top.
Step 11: Make the Frosting
- Beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and continue mixing until fluffy. Mix in the lemon zest and heavy cream.
Step 12: Frost and Serve
- Cool the rolls for 15 minutes before spreading the frosting over the top. Add extra lemon curd and serve warm.
Notes
- You can prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate before the second rise.
- Add blueberries for a fruity variation.
- Serve with coffee, tea, or fresh berries for brunch.
Conclusion
These Lemon Sweet Rolls are soft, buttery, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor. Between the fluffy homemade dough, rich lemon filling, and creamy frosting, every bite tastes bakery-worthy. Whether you’re making them for brunch, holidays, or a cozy weekend bake, this Lemon Sweet Rolls recipe is guaranteed to impress.